11 Best Gaming Keypad 2019 – Top Reviews & Buying Guide

Are you a fan of multiplayer games like World of Warcraft, DOTA 2, or League of Legends? It is imperative that you have the best gaming keypad to back you up. With every keypad, there are pros and cons that you will learn more about today.

When considering a gaming keypad for you and your lifestyle, you need to find one that mimics a keyboard. The only difference is you will not have a log of unused buttons that you will never use in the gaming world. To the average gamer, they may not even have the slightest idea of how a gaming keypad could help them out.

With the perfect gaming keypad, you can categorize buttons that will help modify your gaming experience to make it the best one possible. When executing complex commands, you will be able to program them on your keypad the way you want them to work.

In this guide, you will be able to take in more technical points of a gaming keypad, while figuring out the best product for you to buy. So, let’s get this gamer reading started, shall we?

Top 11 Best Gaming Keypad Reviews 2019

1. Razer Orbweaver Chroma Gaming Keypad

The first keypad is from the brand Razer. The Orbweaver can be bought in mechanical or mecha-membrane, depending on what you want. If you choose a mechanical keypad, with brand-new switches, you can reset them to improve your performance with whatever game you play.

There are 20 programmable keys that you can make hotkeys, macros, and add skills if you choose. The keys, themselves, have backlighting capabilities because of braided fiber cable. Colors include red, blue, yellow, green, blue, and purple.

Are you looking for a thumb-pad? This keypad has an 8-way thumb-pad if you are in need to relieve some of your other fingers. By using one-hand capability, the Razer Orbweaver is a keypad you should really check out.

If at any time you don’t like your layout, you can uninstall the old synapse and download a new framework that will work for you. By using a 2.4 GHz Radio Frequency, this device has wireless competence.

2. Razer Tartarus V2 Gaming Keypad

A big-time gaming keypad company is Razer and its Tartarus V2. Coming in either mecha-membrane or mechanical, the Tartarus allows for a soft touch and a quick response time. With 32 programmable keys, you can assign hotkeys, macros, and skills the way you want them.

Backlighting is also stellar with this device. There are over 16 million-color choices that you can pick, so you will never great tired of your options. Check out Razer’s pre-lit options and create your alternatives.

With an ergonomic design, you will stay comfortable through each and every game. A detachable palm rest helps with this as well. This gives you the preferred angle you want.

Razer also has a cool thing called “Hypershift Mode.” In this mode, your keypad has a secondary command sets to allow for awesome shortcuts. This truly doubles the capability of your device.

3. AULA One Handed Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Customization was never as exciting until AULA stepped into the game. With its one-handed keypad, there are 5 pre-lit modes for enhanced LED color. Programmable keys allow for unlimited commands depending on how you want it personalized.

As a mechanic keypad, this device allows for great rhythm and long-lasting design. This keypad is tested for buttons to be used up to 50 million times. Its ergonomic design allows for your palm to rest so that no fatigue will happen.

A great feature from AULU is the Sleep Idle Mode. Whenever your keypad is unused for 10 minutes, it will go into sleep until you press a key to reactivate the device.

If you are looking for compatibility, you have come to the right place with AULU. Compatible with Windows and Mac, you will be able to play the games that you want without any hassle.

What We Liked: Ergonomic design for professional gamers. Ultra-long lifetime mechanical keys. 100% Anti-Ghosting with all Key Roll-over on USB. Sleep mode feature

What We Didn’t Like: Allows only 5 customized backlighting profiles. Not waterproof.

4. GameSir GK100 One Handed Gaming Keyboard

An easy plug-and-play device comes in the form of this next keypad from GameSir. Using a wired connection and now drives, this gaming keypad works with any PC. With 34 programmable switches, you will have no conflicts or overlaps on your board.

With 8 pre-lit options, you will have some amazing color options to delve into. Also, with a palm-rest, you can slide it to fit your hand perfectly. This means no wear and tear on your body during the most important of gaming circumstances.

If you are a console gamer, at this time, this GameSir keypad does not work on PS4 or Xbox One devices but look for the company to make a change in this regard in the next few years.

Check out this keypad if you play games like Fortnight and Overwatch. See how much more fun you will have.

5. ENHANCE One Handed Mini Gaming Keypad

ENHANCE has come out with one of the best gaming keypads on the market today. One of the first things you will notice about this device is the LED lighting. Choose between 7 colors and 2 other light preferences.

Programmable buttons are also a great thing with this device. Customize the keys the way you want to save you time and keep you at or above the competition.

Another feature involves a design that is water resistant. There are drainage holes in every membrane key that is protected by a cable that is of the braided, heavy-duty variety. It should be no concern to you if you spill a drink or you keypad gets a little wet.

Even if your keypad does start to break down, don’t worry. There is a 3-year warranty that the manufacturer will back you up with. A full refund can be returned to you also if you are not completely satisfied with the keypad in the first 30 days.

6. Anyet One Handed Gaming Keyboard

Another game-changing brand in the world of keypads is Anyet. If you are looking for convenience and portability, you have come to the right place with this model. Its unique design makes this keypad have a mechanical feel, but it is actually a membrane.

There is also rainbow backlighting which uses RGB LED tech that easily turns on and off to your liking. With an ergonomic design, your palm will rest even during the most intense of gameplay.

As a plug-and-play option, the Anyet keypad needs no extra software to get working. It is also perfect when running with Windows, Mac, and Android.

There are no Bluetooth or wireless options at this time but check back with Anyet in the next year to see how they are looking to change the gaming keypad domain. This is not a company that stands still but keeps moving forward.

7. Skywin Programmable Gaming Keypad

Still looking for the best gaming keypad? Skywin is here to help you program your keys the way you like them. Remap your device the way you want without dealing with unnecessary software.

If you use a PC, this gaming keypad will do wonders for you, but a console connection is still in the works. All apps and games do work if you are running with a PC though.

When looking to light up your keypad, you can even customize this to your liking. Once you have completed this, it will take time for you to use the device and feel how comfortable it truly is during gameplay.

No charge is needed wit the Skywin keypad. Just plug it in and be amazed at what it can do for you.

10. Delux T9 Singlehanded Wired Gaming Keyboard

Any keypad review needs this model from Delux, which is one of the best one-handed gaming keyboard choices. This gaming keypad has an amazing ergonomic design that packs keys together with you feeling cramped.

You can adjust the keys commands the way you want from game to game. As a multimedia keyboard, you can change the volume, mute, and escape from any game you are leaving.

If you are looking for backlighting, at this time, there is no LED option. Compatible with Windows, there are plenty of games out there for you to choose while using this gaming keypad.

11. Razer Tartarus Gaming Keypad (Used Only)

A great gaming keypad for right-handed individuals is the Razer Tartarus. As the last option on our list, there is much to like.

There are over 120 command choices you can program to fit your style. After each programming, you can store your controls on the Razer Synapse 2.0. This way you can go back to programming you liked in the future.

Comfort was a focus when Razer created this keypad. You will play for hours, and not notice any ill effects.

Expect accurate clicks and amazing backlighting from this model. You will not be disappointed.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Gaming Keypad

Key Type: When it comes to key type, it falls into two categories: feel and feedback response. The feel is what allows you to focus on your gameplay instead of your body straining. Response time is how quickly and precisely your device registers the commands that you want it to do.

Mechanical: A mechanical keypad is a more reactive device, but it does produce a lot of noise. On the flip side, you do not have to push the key down as far, which make sensitivity a lot more potent.

Membrane: With a membrane keypad, it has a great tactile feel to it. You do have to push the key all the way down for it to be activated.

Mechanical vs Membrane: There is much debate on what is preferred when it comes to mechanical and membrane keypads. More often than not, you will hear people saying that membrane are the best, but there are still some old school people that stick with mechanical. It depends on what you feel is the most beneficial for you.

Gaming Keypad Programmable Keys: Depending on the gaming keypad you are interested in, most come with 15-25 keys to program. Since a regular keyboard has over 80 different keys, there is a lot less to worry about with a keypad.

Ergonomic: When a keypad uses an ergonomic design, the company is thinking of the human body and how it works. By helping the hands and arms appropriately, ergonomic design will help prevent injuries during the most crucial of times. Standard computer keyboard doesn’t even come close in comparison.

Analog Stick: Not all gamers find the need for an analog stick, but some find it quite handy. An analog stick can help limit WASD buttons for a more natural movement. However, many PC games would much rather use a mouse instead.

Button Configuration: The first thing that needs to be stated is that not all keypads are created equal. Some are not programmable, while others are designed to put keys wherever you want them.

Design: From company to company, there are a variety of models that people use. Some are made specifically for a particular game or game genre. The feeling has a lot to do with design.

Similarities in the design include removing caps lock and other unnecessary gaming buttons. Some like to keep buttons rendered useless because they are comfortable with that layout.

Visual Display: The more expensive your keypad is, the more likely you have a visual display. Keypads with a visual display often have LCD toughs for keys to appear and function better.

Size: When it comes to the size of a keypad, there are not universally accepted models. Some people like the feel of a cramped keyboard, so a small gaming keypad that works for small hands might be preferred.

Most do not feel a full keyboard is for them, but a few might prefer it to a keypad. People may also like a bigger keypad, which brings them comfort.

Comfort: Comfort can felt in the wrist, hands, fingers, and palms when you are gaming. Find the best one-handed gaming keyboard that works for you and your gaming lifestyle. Even after long hours of gameplay, your body shouldn’t feel a thing.

Switch Type: Mechanical keypads have three different categories: linear, tactile, and clicks. These three choices are used predominantly in the gaming world.

Linear gives the user a smooth feel every time they push down on a button.

With a tactile switch type, you will feel a point where there is a bump. Clicks involve a click sound as soon as you ignite the button.

Software: Many people buy a gaming keypad because of the way they can map out keys to their choosing. Picking the right manufacturer, at this point, that is compatible and will work on what you want.

RGB Lighting: In this modern age of technology, some people are a fan of RGB. Very few companies ultimately give control to you and your keypad, but there are some great preset aspects of this option. When poor lighting is a factor in your gaming world, RGB can add color to your buttons for ultimately an eye-popping tint.

Backlit Illumination: Backlighting your keypad is also a nice option, but you can’t control the color. What you see is what you get.

Backlit and RGB: When it comes to this debate, it is another preference thing. Are you ok with one color for the life of your keypad or do you want to change it up when you feel like it?

Keypad vs. Keyboard

Most PC games in the 21st Century don’t need the full keyboard like older games may have needed in year’s past. Today, keypads cram the best buttons into a small set-up.

If you are a rare individual, you might need a gaming keypad for the left hand. There are more options in a keypad than there would be for a left-hand keyboard.

Keyboards are liked, in a lot of situations, where people have always used it to play. It is comfortable for them. You will see keypads continue to evolve and develop as the keyboard has played pretty stationary over the last few decades. And with phones taking the place of keyboards, it is like you can use your mobile device as an on-the-go keypad if need be.

FAQs: About Gaming Keypad

#1 – What is a gaming keypad?

A gaming keypad is a device to improve performance when PC or console gaming. With a gaming keypad, you will have an increase in feedback and access keys the way you want them.

Assigning macro keys can be your best friend. You conveniently command them where you want them to be. This will give you peace of mind when you play.

#2 – How does a gaming keypad work?

Gaming keypads work differently when it comes to mechanical and membrane tech. With features that help with space, spring, and sound production, clicking can work in a variety of ways. It all comes down to preferences and what you need.

#3 – What is a gaming keypad used for?

A gaming keypad is used for online, solo, or multiplayer games. They can also be used as a mini device for other computer programs for music editing to typing.

#4 – How beneficial is having a gaming keypad?

There are a ton of benefits to having a gaming keypad, but let me tell you a few. Wireless gaming keypads are the real deal, where you don’t have to work about tangling cords or having your device breakdown. There are even Bluetooth gaming keypad options.

#5 – What does the thumbstick on a gaming keypad do?

A thumbstick or an analog stick is used if you are looking for your thumb to do something during gaming. Most of the time, a thumb is not used in gameplay. This could free you up to free up other fingers, depending on their importance to you.

#6 – How many keys does a typical gaming keypad have?

Typical gaming keypads have as little as 20 keys, while some have upwards of 35. Compared to the keyboard, this is a huge difference, with over 100 keys.

#7 – Which gaming keypad will fit my small hand?

With keypads having customizable options, positions can be switched around to create space or give certain fingers a rest. It honestly does not matter the hand size because everything can be adapted. A cheap keypad may not be able to help you here if it is not programmable.

Make sure you have a programmable keypad so that you can adjust to your liking. This way, you will not cramp up or strain your hands.

#8 – What games can use a gaming keypad?

There is a long list of games that use a gaming keypad, but some of the most popular include Shovel Knight, Owlboy, Risk of Rain, Swords of Ditto, and Endless Sky to name a few.

The PS4 is compatible with gaming keypads. They have made it focus for their company because they believe it is the technology of the future.

#11 – Can you use a keypad with Xbox One?

Where the Xbox One is right now, keypads have struggled with console gameplay. In the coming months, though, Microsoft is looking to make this more adaptable.

#12 – Are gaming keypads really fast?

Gaming keypads can be set for quick reaction time. Especially in gaming, it is imperative that you are quicker than your opponents. By programming your device, you will be able to lay out how you want it.

Wrapping-Up

When it comes to buying the right gaming keypad for you, think about what you need. Are you looking for comfort? Or is the design something you need? Programming may also be a necessity. No matter what you choose, pick a device that you can game with night after night. In the end, you will experience great gaming with whatever you play. Go out there and start researching and trying your gaming device because there are a lot of games out there that you need to become master over.